Congelin
Before the railways most transport around Australia was by horse-drawn cart. Steam engines played a central role in the industrial revolution – steamships and steam locomotives opened up the possibility to transport goods and raw materials much quicker than before.
Congelin Siding was a stop on the Hotham Valley Branch (Dwarda) railway line that was built in 1925. The line was mostly used to transport timber sleepers from Dwellingup, but occasionally transported people, goods, livestock and mail. The railway network in south-western Western Australia was originally built as 1067 mm gauge lines.
Steam engines rely on coal and water so access to water was an important consideration for railway routes. In a dry climate, dams needed a sufficient catchment and the correct elevation. For example, a WAGR W Class steam locomotive had a water capacity of roughly 14,000 -16,500 litres.
Congelin is now a popular campsite and the Dam remains. An easy 1.6 kilometre loop walk takes you along the old Siding where you can read the interpretive signage.
This site is part of the Wheatbelt Science Trail and GeoTrail, you can find more information or other sites of interest across the region on the map.
The Cache
The cache is a mega bison hidden in a small fallen tree